cut it down

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut it down" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to mean to reduce or decrease something. For example, "We need to cut our expenses down if we have any hope of staying in business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He cut it down," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Why did you decide to cut it down?

The New Yorker

Every night we cut it down with Eileen's manicure scissors.

The New Yorker

"I cut it down to fastball, curve," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We did 2 hours, cut it down to 47 minutes.

The New York Times

And we managed to cut it down, to an extent".

The Guardian

The gardeners cut it down, but didn't remove the stump.

The New York Times

"I cannot tell a lie — I did cut it down".

The New Yorker

This year, I had to cut it down, arbitrarily, to thirty.

The New Yorker

I just got married, so I'm trying to cut it down as much as possible.

The New York Times

"I knew there was no way they would be able to cut it down".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cut it down" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or eliminated. For example, "We need to cut the budget down" is clearer than "We need to cut it down."

Common error

Avoid using "cut it down" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "The essay was too long, so I cut it down", specify: "The essay was too long, so I cut the introduction down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut it down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. This construction combines the verb "cut" with the particle "down" to create a new meaning, typically involving reduction or elimination. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

30%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut it down" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the action of reducing or shortening something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally acceptable, it might be wise to opt for more formal alternatives like "reduce" or "decrease" in academic or professional settings. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being reduced when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce it

Focuses on lessening the amount or size, a direct and versatile substitute.

shorten it

Implies making something shorter in length or duration.

decrease it

Suggests diminishing the quantity or intensity of something.

trim it

Often used for reducing something by small amounts, or tidying up.

pare it down

Implies reducing something to its essential elements by removing unnecessary parts.

scale it back

Indicates a reduction in scope or intensity.

whittle it down

Suggests gradually reducing something over time.

lop it off

Implies removing a part completely, often with a quick action.

hack it back

Suggests cutting something back drastically, often in a rough manner.

bring it down

Focuses on reducing a value or level.

FAQs

How can I use "cut it down" in a sentence?

You can use "cut it down" to mean reduce or decrease something. For example, "The company decided to "cut it down" to size".

What are some alternatives to "cut it down"?

Some alternatives include "reduce it", "shorten it", or "decrease it", depending on the context.

Is "cut it down" formal or informal?

"Cut it down" is generally considered informal and is more appropriate for everyday conversation or less formal writing. For business or academic contexts, more formal alternatives like "reduce" or "decrease" might be better suited.

Which is correct, "cut it down" or "cut down it"?

"Cut it down" is the correct phrasal verb construction. "Cut down it" is grammatically incorrect.